Abstract
Objective
To analyze the relationship between fatigue and sleep quality in mental health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method
This cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out between October 2021 and July 2022 with professionals from mental health services in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Socio-occupational and health questionnaires, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Fatigue Assessment Scale were used. The analysis was descriptive and analytical, and chi-square, Fischer’s exact, Spearman’s correlation and logistic binary regression analysis (5% significance level) were used.
Results
A total of 141 professionals took part, with a prevalence of poor sleep quality and high fatigue. Poor sleep quality was associated with sick leave in the last six months (p=0.023), tiredness at the end of the working day (p=0.011), health treatment (p=0.012) and fatigue (p=0.006). High fatigue was associated with feeling tired at the end of the working day (p=0.017). Multivariate models showed that professionals with high fatigue and frequent and/or constant tiredness were twice as likely to have poor sleep quality.
Conclusion
Fatigue and sleep quality are significantly associated, with a greater chance of poor sleep quality among those with high levels of fatigue. Strategies to reduce work overload, improve sleep quality and promote a healthy environment are recommended.
Fatigue; Sleep quality; Mental health services; Occupational health; COVID-19; Pandemics; Surveys and questionnaires